Equality Florida Staff Joe Saunders and Michael Farmer with members of the OADO committee, Commissioner Lui Damiani and Former Commissioner Linda Stewart after today's vote.

Just moments ago, the Orange County Commission unanimously passed domestic partnership benefits for county employees.

Today's victory in Orange County is the second in less than five months. On November 23, 2010, the county expanded its non-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs brought forward the issue today after months of meeting with members of the OADO Committee, including Equality Florida. Mayor Jacobs expressed her early support for domestic partnership benefits within days of her election, having taped a video for Equality Florida's 2010 Gala.

Equality Florida applauds both the Commission and Mayor Jacobs for championing this issue and making it a priority within her administration. Thank you to Commissioners Scott Boyd; Lui Damiani; Jennifer Thompson; Ted Edwards and Tiffany Moore-Russell who voted in favor today.

Watch Joseph Saunders, Equality Florida's Field Director, speak in front of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners below